John Auer

John Bernard Auer, 55, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, July 22, 2004, at his home.

He was born Feb. 9, 1949, in Cape Girardeau, son of Vernon A. and Charlotte L. Walther Auer. He and Molly Evans were married May 8, 2001, in Statesville, N.C.

John was a graduate of Central High School. He was a certified master mechanic at Coad Chevrolet, and was known as a brilliant carburetor man. He was a stock car racer, built race engines for Busch and Orca, and was a pit crew member at Orca, Busch and NASCAR. He won a national stock car race and set a record at Louisville, Ky., in October 1995.

He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral, MBNA Hot Rod Association, National Hot Rod Association, American Pool Association and Knights of Columbus Council 1111.

John was a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.

Survivors include his wife, Molly Evans Auer; his parents of Cape Girardeau; two sons, John G. (Danean) Auer of Scott City, Airman Lucas W. Auer of Spokane, Wash.; a daughter, Tamara Marie Auer of Vallejo, Calif.; a stepson, Thomas "T.J." Halter of Cape Girardeau; three stepdaughters, Mary Carlin Welker of Fruitland, Kristy Frissell Halter of Cape Girardeau, Tamara Childs (Michael) Dannenmueller of Scott City; a brother, Andy (Gail) Auer of Cape Girardeau; three sisters, Pat Rushin of Jackson, Judy (Bob) Stricker of Cape Girardeau, Mary (Jim) Sturm of Ballwin, Mo.; six grandchildren; and 11 stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by grandparents.

Friends may call at Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Parish prayers will be at 7, followed by Knights of Columbus rosary.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Cathedral, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Cathedral, 615 William, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63703, or American Cancer Society, 937 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.